Interview | Nicolas Martin, a passionate trailer
Nicolas Martin, 33 years old, is the 2017 French champion and 2016 world runner-up champion in trail. Practicing amateur trail since he was 17 years old, he naturally turned to the top level in 2010. He stands out thanks to his exceptional sporting performances, especially in 2012, when he finished 4th in the Trail of the Templiers. He will then be selected for the French team in 2013. Since then, he has established himself as one of the best trailed sailors in the world, winning the SaintéLyon, the High Trail Vanoise or the Trail du Ventoux.
Where did this passion for trail comes from?
Nicolas Martin: “When I was young, I used to live in the middle of the countryside in the South of Isère (France), the hilly environment which surrounded me have encouraged trail practice. Moreover, I really love to see the nature evolve following time, I like to do the same route 10 times because it will be 10 times different due to changing landscapes.”
How much time do you spend for training?
N.M : “ I do intense sport around 7 or 8 months a year. I train myself between 6 to 10 times a week, which represents between 13 to 15 hours of work. Sometimes I can go further to 25 hours of practise in order to be ready for my competitions. For me, a qualitative session last from 1 to 2 hours. I also do longer session between 2 and 6 hours, and more rarely I can train for 8 hours".
What are your favourite trainings?
N.M : “ I mix my training between run, trail, walk, road bike, and cross-country skiing in winter”.
What are your favourite BV Sport products and why?
N.M : "First of all, there are the Booster ELITE EVO2 calf sleeves that I use regularly during training and competition. In my discipline, my legs hit the ground many times on different types of surface, which causes big shocks, especially on the calf. By wearing the Booster ELITE EVO2, I reduce vibrations and I feel less pain and aches in my calves. In addition to being effective with optimal compression, the product is so comfortable that it is completely forgotten during the effort.
I also love Prorecup ELITE EVO socks, I wear them every day during 5 or 6 hours, in order to have a maximum recovery. I also wear Comfort socks, especially when I work and stand up all day, I feel like my legs are lighter.
As for the socks, I wear them all the time. They allow me to avoid friction, and are very resistant, with a long-life span."
What are your sporting ambitions for 2019?
N.M: "I haven't worn a race number since November the 4THof 2018. The Mont Ventoux trail, which took place on March the 17TH of 2019, was my first race in 2019, my goal to finish on the podium is achieved since I finished at the 3RD place. Then, I continued with the trail of Drôme, which was on the 14TH of April, I am the winner of this challenging race: 42 kilometers covered with a cumulative positive altitude difference of 2210 meters. I had to position myself well to be directly selected for the World Championships in Portugal. This year my ultimate goal is to make a performance at this competition".
You have made trail one of your professions, how do you feel about it?
N.M: "I consider trail as a passion sport. I had to leave the classic world of work, but I don't regret it. If you ask me what your job is, I would say that I am happy. The trail allowed me to have a balanced life, it's liberating. If you want to become a trailer, you have to take an exceptional approach, especially because of the long distances covered and the time you have to invest in. Endurance sports teach you patience, even if today we live in immediacy. It is necessary to build yourself every day, step by step, to be at your top level within a deadline. To illustrate this, I like a quote that says, "There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way".
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
N.M.: "I haven't set yet myself a career end. However, if I have to stop the high-level trail for professional or personal reasons, I would have no regrets. I know that I have already reached a certain level in terms of performance and I have made my dreams come true. I am thinking of a professional reconversion, particularly in terms of sport, perhaps as a mountain leader. What I can tell you is that you have to realize your dreams to be fulfilled. Be motivated to find a job that excites you!".
We thank Nicolas Martin for this interview and we already give him our full support for the World Trail Championships, which will take place on the 8TH of June in Portugal.